Why isn't anyone asking the hard questions about opera's future? In this riveting conversation, soprano Lucia Cesaroni and Tapestry Opera's Executive Director Jamie Martino challenge the status quo of an art form at a crossroads.

"Wagner ruined opera," declares Cesaroni provocatively, questioning why we still expect modern audiences to sit through four-hour performances in darkened theaters when their lives demand more flexible, social experiences. The pair dive deep into why opera companies across Canada are struggling financially despite passionate dedication from artists and administrators alike.

The conversation ventures beyond simple diagnosis into bold territory: What if opera was more like a comedy club? Why do taxpayer-funded performance spaces sit empty most nights? How might unions and companies collaborate to create sustainable models? And perhaps most importantly, why does the industry remain so resistant to change?

Martino offers a radical reframing that could transform how we approach these challenges: "I am profoundly uninterested in the question 'how do we save opera?' I am interested in what we can do about the ways that we work and the kind of art that we make that will make people's lives better." This shift from institutional preservation to human impact opens new possibilities for reinvention.

Listen to this thought-provoking episode, sponsored by the Lavazza IncluCity Festival.

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

Ever wondered what it takes to succeed in the high-stakes world of international opera competitions? This candid conversation with two rising stars - Sophie Naubert and Ihor Mostovoi - offers a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain of the prestigious Concours Musical International de Montréal.

The two singers provide invaluable insights into competition strategy, from repertoire selection to mental preparation. Sophie emphasizes choosing pieces that showcase her theatrical strengths while avoiding older repertoire that might reveal outdated vocal habits. Ihor describes crafting thematic art song programs built around concepts like "water and fire" or "horror and splendor," balancing technical agility with emotional depth.

Both artists speak candidly about competition's true purpose: beyond winning prizes, these events create crucial industry exposure and performance experience under pressure.

Whether you're an aspiring singer, a devoted opera fan, or simply curious about the artistic journey, listen to understand the strategic thinking, personal sacrifices and pure passion driving these remarkable young artists.

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

Growing up in Toronto with a musical theater obsession sparked by seeing Phantom of the Opera at age five, Charlotte Siegel never imagined herself an opera singer. "I was definitely not that 10-year-old thinking I wanted to be an opera singer," she confesses, "but I always knew I wanted to sing."

Now performing Musetta in Manitoba Opera's La bohème, Siegel finds portraying this extroverted character particularly enlightening as someone naturally introverted. "She's so unlike me... I don't like to be the center of attention, which is funny coming from an opera singer," she laughs. Yet she relishes the challenge, noting how Puccini provides everything needed in the score to bring Musetta's complexities to life.

Siegel's commitment extends beyond performance. Recognizing how subsidized music lessons through Regent Park School of Music shaped her path in life, she co-founded the Marigold Music Program during the pandemic. This initiative provides underrepresented youth with music education access, mentorship and concert opportunities — addressing barriers before university applications. "I know in my bones that I would not be sitting here talking to you if I didn't have access to these kinds of programming when I was younger," she admits.

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

Cheryl Hickman is reimagining what an opera company can be in Newfoundland. As founder and artistic director of Opera on the Avalon in St. John's, she's built an organization that defies conventional wisdom about opera programming, audience development and digital engagement.

Starting with a budget of just $25,000 in 2009 after a successful international singing career, Hickman has grown Opera on the Avalon into a $1.2 million company ranked 12th largest among Canadian opera companies - the only company east of Quebec in the top 30. What makes this achievement remarkable is how it happened: largely by abandoning traditional repertoire.

"When we did Bohème, it really did not sell," Hickman reveals. "The first almost sold-out show we had was Dead Man Walking, because audiences knew it from popular culture." This discovery led to a radical shift toward commissioning and producing exclusively new works that resonate with local audiences. As Hickman puts it, "I'm never going to compete financially with the COC. But I also don't think anyone needs my version of Magic Flute."

During COVID, the company pivoted to outdoor filming across Newfoundland's spectacular landscapes, creating "The Rock Performs" series. This initiative blossomed into OOTA-TV, a free digital platform featuring commissioned mini-operas from renowned composers like Jennifer Higdon and Mark Adamo, collaborative projects with Indigenous artists, and documentaries that have reached worldwide.

Hickman challenges the notion that cultural excellence only happens in major urban centers: "For too long in our country we have decided what good art is and who could do good art... I'm not doing the same art they're doing in Toronto. Mine is different."

Recently appointed as the incoming Chair of the Canada Council for the Arts, Hickman will bring her perspective on regional arts development to national policy. Explore Opera on the Avalon's groundbreaking work at operaontheavalon.com, and discover why this Newfoundland company has something special for all opera lovers.

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

Prepare to be enchanted by the stories and insights of Canadian baritone John Fanning, a treasured gem in the world of opera. As a recipient of the Ruby Award and a member of the Order of Canada, John shares his remarkable journey from the grandeur of opera stages to a more family-centered life in Waterford, Ontario. We'll uncover his thoughts on transitioning from teaching at the University of Montreal to the joys of retirement, where volunteering and family time now take center stage. Plus, get an insider's view of his thrilling return to the stage as Don Pasquale with Calgary Opera and the unique challenges and triumphs that come with embodying a new role at this stage in his career.

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

Join us for an enchanting encounter with Arianna Maubach, the mezzo-soprano sensation who captured hearts and won accolades at the Canadian Opera Company's Center Stage Competition. Arianna takes us on a fascinating journey from her beginnings in a non-musical family to her discovery of a love for singing with the Toronto Children's Chorus. Despite having family in law and entrepreneurship, her passion was nurtured through rigorous training, leading her to the prestigious Royal Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor’s degree at the Eastman School of Music. Arianna reflects on her mentors who were pivotal in shaping her early musical education and career.

As we chat with Arianna, she paints a vivid picture of her preparations for the COC competition performance, sharing insights from her collaboration with music luminaries like Wendy Nielsen and Liz Upchurch. The episode peeks into Arianna’s meticulous aria selection process and her spellbinding experience performing under Maestro Debus, with the goal of savoring each moment on stage. With an ongoing residency at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, Arianna’s aspirations are soaring towards future engagements. Listen as she shares her excitement about upcoming performances, her exploration of new roles, and her burning desire to refine her craft while expanding her repertoire.

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

 Join us for a heartfelt episode of the Opera Glasses podcast as Elizabeth Bowman hosts her final show and introduces the new Editorial Director of Opera Canada, Michael Jones. With an impressive career spanning from Choirs Ontario to the Saskatchewan Arts Board, Michael shares how his first live opera experience with Britten's “Death in Venice” ignited a lifelong passion. We discuss his vision for Opera Canada, his excitement for upcoming productions, and how his background uniquely positions him to lead this esteemed publication.

In a tribute to Opera Canada's rich history, we explore the vital role of the magazine's archival efforts in preserving the nation’s operatic legacy. Michael reveals plans to incorporate historical material into future editions, making opera more accessible and engaging for both enthusiasts and researchers. This episode is a blend of nostalgia, gratitude, and forward-looking optimism—truly a must-listen for any opera aficionado.

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is presenting a reimagined take on Poul Ruders's The Handmaid's Tale, a work-in-progress based on Margaret Atwood’s sobering novel.  Composer Dan Scholsberg was commissioned to arrange the work for chamber ensemble using different technologies to evoke Gilead.  The hope is for this arrangement to be used by more arts companies across the globe.

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

Prepare to be captivated as the extraordinary Irish-Canadian mezzo-soprano Wallis Giunta graces our podcast. She makes her Carnegie Hall debut tonight singing Christian Muthspiel’s brand-new arrangement of Kurt Weill 's The Seven Deadly Sins. 

Wallis, a mother and a luminary on the international opera stage, dives deep into how she successfully balances her career and motherhood.  Transitioning from the personal to the professional, we turn our spotlight to the shifting tides within the opera industry. 

Don't miss this resonant episode which  echoes with advice, anecdotes, and the pure joy of opera.

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

Greek-Canadian soprano Soula Parassidis joins us on The Opera Glasses podcast to talk about her organization, Living Opera, her Canadian debut in Montreal, and the international opera scene.

Soula, the driving force behind Living Opera, talks about how it all began—spoiler alert: the catalyst was her husband and Living Opera partner, Norman Reinhardt's journey overcoming performance anxiety. Living Opera offered a forum to share and invite performers to connect, feel heard, and learn from these experiences. The organization has grown into so much more since.

Soula's upcoming Canadian debut in Montreal on April 16 is a heartfelt convergence of her artistic journey and a testament to her resilience—overcoming cancer (years ago) and giving back through this performance—a fundraising event to raise funds for endometrial cancer. This episode paints a portrait of an artist not defined by her struggles, but empowered by them, using her voice to uplift others and channel art's healing power.

Join us for an episode that offers a glimpse behind the curtain and into the heart of an opera singer who believes in the transformative and accessible beauty of this timeless art form.

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

Embark on a riveting journey with The Opera Glasses Podcast as we host the magnificent Canadian baritone Elliot Madore, who opens up about the nuances of embodying roles in both contemporary and time-honoured operas. Elliot unveils the behind-the-scenes magic of collaborating with composer Matthew Aucoin for his role in Eurydice (Boston Lyric Opera) and contrasts this with his most recent performances with Edmonton Opera in the title role of their Don Giovanni.

He reflects on his long career to-date: the challenges of sustaining a career in opera, and what has given him the focus, and continued drive to deliver consistently fantastic performances.

This conversation delves into Elliot's growing Identity project which explores his own identity in collaboration with creatives including Canadian director Joel Ivany, composer Dinuk Wijeratne and acclaimed poet Shauntay Grant. This project signals the evolving dialogue within the opera community, inviting listeners to contemplate the transformative power of the Performing Arts. 

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

Canadian soprano Simone Osborne graces the Opera Glasses podcast - currently starring in Calgary Opera’s The Elixir of Love, Feb 3 - 9, 2024. We talk about how she expertly balances career and family life. Simone offers a rare glimpse into her  craft and the supportive network that helps her excel both on stage and at home. After Calgary, she will be on the Canadian Opera Company stage as Norina in Don Pasquale, Apr 26 - May 18, 2024.

Simone and I share our experiences and extend a hand to the next generation of opera artists, imparting wisdom on the art of embracing the unexpected and trusting one's own voice in a post-pandemic era that demands both resilience and authenticity.

To wrap up this episode, we engage in a discussion about the power of genuine connection, both on the stage and off. 

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

In this episode, I, Elizabeth Bowman, am joined by the insightful Michael Zarathus-Cook, Managing Editor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Chief Editor of Cannopy Magazine. We're peeling back the curtain on the Emerging Arts Writer Program at the Banff Centre (part of Joel Ivany's Chamber Music and Opera program), revealing the nuts and bolts of nurturing new, vibrant voices in arts journalism. Michael, leaving his basketball enthusiasm courtside, brings his wealth of experience to our conversation, focusing on the need for writers who can create captivating arts coverage that resonates with audiences far and wide.

Linking arms with the creative community is like finding a map to hidden treasure. This episode isn't just about discussion; it's about action, about placing writers in the thick of the creative process, where inspiration flows. We explore how a national registry for arts writers might just be the golden ticket. As our chat winds down, we envision a future where writers and Canadian publications join forces, thanks to programs like Banff Centre's upcoming Emerging Arts Writers component, ensuring a tapestry of structured, intelligent, and emotive arts journalism. Michael and I are excited to share our combined vision, bolstering the connections and opportunities for arts writers across the board.

To apply to the program visit this link. The deadline is January 31, 2024.

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

Experience a journey into the world of opera with special guest, Timothy Myers, one of America's most innovative conductors. Recently appointed as Music Director at the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra, Myers—who also holds the Music Directorship at Austin Opera—lends his unique insights into the changing landscape of opera and its audience in the post-pandemic world.

Join us as we delve into the evolving preferences of opera audiences. In closing, Myers reflects on the importance of fostering an inclusive environment in the arts and making it an affordable and engaging experience for everyone. Get ready to be inspired by this enlightening conversation with Timothy Myers.

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

Italian-Canadian soprano and Principal at Cesaroni Consulting, Lucia Cesaroni, is a regular contributor to Opera Canada's print publications.  She writes the Stage Business and Essential Perspectives columns. The Opera Glasses host, Elizabeth Bowman, chats with Cesaroni about the state of the opera business, more specifically what audiences want, music education, the worth of artists in business, and funding.

Lucia Cesaroni has established an international opera career, singing with companies in Italy, the U.S. and Canada. Living between Toronto, New York and Raiano, Italy, Lucia employs her skills and discipline as a performer as well as her international network to coach executives and teams at Salesforce, Bell Canada, Everlane, Google, Forward Together, Archer Daniels Midland, Masters Insurance as well as MBA students at Carleton University. She embodies the artist-entrepreneur, articulating the value of strategic creativity, art and artists outside of the arts.

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

On July 12, Lebanese-Canadian soprano Joyce El-Khoury will be making her professional stage debut in the title role of Carmen at Oper im Steinbruch (more information here). 

She talks about taking on new roles, the importance of fine tuning your technique, and has great advice for emerging singers coming up in this business.

Born in Lebanon and raised in Canada, Joyce’s discography includes three rare Donizetti operas on the Opera Rara label (Les Martyrs, Belisario and L’Ange de Nisida) conducted by Sir Mark Elder—all to critical acclaim, L’Ange recently took home the 2019 Oper! Award for Best Opera Recording.  She also has a Juno-nominated solo disc, ‘Écho’  with The Hallé conducted by Carlo Rizzi.  Additionally, Audite released the newly-discovered unfinished Liszt opera Sardanapalo in 2018.

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

Canadian bass-baritone joins Elizabeth Bowman to talk about the wholehearted reimagining of one of the greatest operas of the 20th century: Béla Bartók's Bluebeard’s Castle. Against the Grain Theatre will present this work March 29-April 1 at Harbourfront's Fleck Dance Theatre in Toronto. 

This radical retelling, originally produced by the ground-breaking opera company Theatre of Sound in London, England, features a new English libretto and orchestral arrangement, re-framing the piece as a love story between a long-married couple living with dementia. 

More information on this show here.  And more information on Gerald Finley here. 

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

 Guests: Ian Cusson, Composer; Kanika Ambrose,  Librettist; Jorell Williams, Baritone

We talk about the upcoming WORLD PREMIERE of the Tapestry Opera/Obsidian Theatre Group  production of OF THE SEA (opens MARCH 25-APRIL 1, 2023). The work is a powerful new opera flowing with hope and heartbreak, written by Kanika Ambrose, composed by Ian Cusson—both are guests on this podcast. Also joining the podcast is American baritone, Jorell Williams, who stars as Maduka in the production.

A little bit about the opera (more available here):

Under the crushing power of the Atlantic Ocean, a mythical world rises from the depths Of The Sea. 

A father will do anything to save his daughter. Of the Sea follows the story of Maduka, his daughter Binyelum, and fellow Africans thrown overboard during the Middle Passage who now populate mythical underwater kingdoms that span the ocean floor.  Amidst the waves, fiery plans for revenge are made, a parent is blinded by love for their child, and a fight against fate begins. 

In the cold, murky waters, everyone dreams of seeing the sun again.  Directed by renowned Canadian actor and director Philip Akin, and Music Direction by Jennifer Tung. With The Canadian Opera Company Orchestra, Perryn Leech, General Director, Johannes Debus, Music Director.

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

A west coaster living in Toronto, Stephen Bell works as a director of photography and lead UX/UI designer for the media design company Coffeeshop Film & Creative. His passion for all things digital has led Coffeeshop Film & Creative to be recognized as one of Toronto’s leading media studios for arts and design. From full length features and music videos to commercial and social media advertisement videography, his passion for compelling visuals has been recognized both in Canada and abroad. 

Award winning work includes nominations at the 2021 Canadian Screen Awards 2021 for session directing on CBC’s Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards with Vérité Films. Stephen directed 400 Days Later, a recent short film, which received 16 official film festival submissions, winning best cinematography at the New York Cinematography Awards, as well as Best COVID-19 film at the Stockholm Film Festival. In 2020, Stephen worked as director of photography as well as editor on the critically acclaimed Messiah/Complex with the Against the Grain Theatre & Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Online, his self titled Youtube channel, Stephen Bell, now has 5000 subscribers and continues to focus on all things video and camera reviews.

Outside of videography, Stephen is a classically trained operatic tenor and a member of the Canadian Opera Company. He holds both a Masters and Bachelors of Music from the University of British Columbia, and was a member of the Calgary Opera Young Artist Program.

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

Joel Ivany, a Canadian director and Artistic Director of Against the Grain Theatre and Edmonton Opera AND Program Director for Opera at the Banff Centre, joins Elizabeth Bowman in a conversation about the opera industry right now, reviews, where we're headed, and more. 

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

Karen Stone has retired from the Aalto Theater Essen after 23 years of opera prompting - a job that many opera fans might not know exists.  An opera prompter is key to the success of any performance. Stone is a Canadian flute player with a McGill education, and an affinity for languages. This episode is for all who are interested in opera—both those on stage and in the audience. 

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

A special episode dedicated to the winner of the Canadian Opera Company Centre Stage Competition for Emerging Artists.  Polish-Canadian soprano Karoline Podolak won singing Violetta's famous aria "Sempre libre" from Verdi's La traviata.  She also took home the Audience Choice Award.  

In this episode Podolak talks about how she prepares for a competition, who has guided her, what she does when she's not immersed in opera, and the story behind her gold dress. 

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

Catherine Pisaroni, Founder, Principal and Art Director of Lenny's Studio—a design, PR, and digital marketing firm specializing in opera and classical music clients—is our guest on today's show.  We talk about the art of ENGAGEMENT in opera—how we can bring more people into the world of opera, where to focus our efforts and what we would like to see more of. 

Elizabeth Bowman, Editor-in-Chief of Opera Canada Magazine, hosts. 

Intro/Outro Music by Soul Shepherd

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by the editor of Opera Canada, currently Michael Jones after Elizabeth Bowman hosted seasons 1 and 2. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.